Canadian Blood Services is looking for thousands of blood donations to meet demand in the summer months.

The agency estimates it will need to book almost 30,000 donation appointments each week during July and August to keep up with the demand for donated blood. Currently, Canadian Blood Services is looking to fill 7,500 appointments across Canada between now and July 5.

“With the holiday falling mid-week this year, we’re seeing fewer appointments booked and a higher number of cancellations around Canada Day,” Mark Donnison, the vice-president of donor relations, said in a statement Thursday. “This is particularly challenging because many regular donors are planning to take an extra-long weekend.”

In recent months, according to the agency, about 20 per cent of donors have missed their appointments.

In its statement Thursday, Canadian Blood Services cited statistics which suggest there are more traffic fatalities on Canadian roads in the summer time and that it can take up to 50 donors to save a car crash victim’s life.

To book an appointment, visit blood.ca or call 1-888-236-6283. All blood donors are needed, in particular those with type O and A blood.

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